Hexham's longest standing private gym, No Limits, is celebrating a year of immense growth following the post-covid struggles.

Based on Fore Street, the gym, established in 2006, has displayed an encouraging increase in membership figures, according to owner Lisa Thompson.

Ms Thompson said: "A lot of gyms are too focussed on simply gaining new members but here at No Limits, our biggest driver is member retention and building long term relationships with people going on a fitness journey."

No Limits has seen a substantial rise in people staying part of the establishment for 12 months or more, boasting an 87 per cent retention rate.

This is a significant achievement considering that most gyms reportedly lose almost half of their new members within the initial six months.

Ms Thompson said: "My philosophy has always been about building a community within the gym, not just signing up new members.

"As a team, we really get to know them as individuals and I think that is why we have been so successful in retaining long term members since coming out of the pandemic.

"Our classes are also enjoying attendance figures we have never seen before, and feedback is overwhelmingly positive, especially since we invested in some new gym floor equipment."

Hexham Courant: Owner of No Limits Gym, Lisa Thompson, says the gym works on building long term relationships with membersOwner of No Limits Gym, Lisa Thompson, says the gym works on building long term relationships with members (Image: No Limits Gym)

Catherine, a gym member of nearly two years, said: "I have never stuck to a fitness regime this long and had never expected to join a gym where fellow members became friends.

"It’s also great to treat myself to a much needed sauna after a workout or class."

Simon Davison, from Hexham, is among the gym's longest-serving members.

He said: "I have been coming to this gym for nearly 15 years and what I love about this place is the variety of members, both in terms of age, gender and sporting background.

"It is a safe, encouraging and non judgemental environment and that is why I think there is such a variety of members here."

No Limits is now set to introduce additional classes after consulting members.

This includes a women-exclusive weight loss and fitness programme.